Abstract: A molecular marker for the selection and breeding of fine-wool sheep is disclosed. The marker is an STR marker comprising a (CA)n repeat core sequence, with n between 5 and 24 that can be obtained by PCR amplification of genomic DNA of sheep using the primers shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 2 and sequencing the PCR product. When n is 17 or 18, a sheep is a fine-wool breed, and when n is 23 or 24, a sheep is a non-fine-wool breed. When the CA repeat is discontinuous, i.e., divided into two segments (e.g., 12+11 or 13+11) separated by two bases TA or GA, a sheep is a hybrid breed of fine-wool sheep and non-fine-wool sheep. Use of the marker provides methods of identifying of fine-wool sheep breeds, and efficient and accurate selection of fine-wool sheep or the hybrid offspring of fine-wool sheep for breeding.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of the species Actinidia chinesis Planch is described. ‘AU Golden Dragon’ has a low chilling requirement, fruit is very early maturing, excellent flavor with a non acid sweet taste, and high soluble solids and dry matter content. ‘AU Golden Dragon’ matures about 50 days ahead of ‘Hort 16A’ (patented), the industry standard for golden flesh kiwi, therefore, the two cultivars will not compete in the market place. ‘AU Golden Dragon’ fruit quality indices are similar to fruit quality indices of ‘Hort 16A’ (patented). There have been no differences in plant performance and fruit quality of ‘AU Golden Dragon’ plants grown in China and Central Alabama.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of the species Actinidia chinesis Planch is described. ‘AU Golden Sunshine’ has a low chilling requirement, fruit is early maturing, excellent flavor with a non acid sweet taste and a high percent soluble solids and dry matter content. ‘AU Golden Sunshine’ matures about 20 days after ‘AU Golden Dragon’ and 30 days before ‘Hort 16A’ (patented), the industry standard for golden flesh kiwi cultivars. ‘AU Golden Sunshine’ fruit quality indices are similar to fruit quality indices of ‘AU Golden Dragon’ and ‘Hort 16A’ (patented). There have been no differences in plant performance and fruit quality of ‘AU Golden Sunshine’ plants grown in China and Alabama.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of the species Actinidia chinesis Planch is described. ‘AU Golden Sunshine’ has a low chilling requirement, fruit is early maturing, excellent flavor with a non acid sweet taste and a high percent solube solids and dry matter content. ‘AU Golden Sunshine’ matures about 20 days after ‘AU Golden Dragon’ and 30 days before ‘Hort 16A’ (patented), the industry standard for golden flesh kiwi cultivars. ‘Au Golden Sunshine’ fruit quality indices are similar to fruit quality indices of ‘AU Golden Dragon’ and ‘Hort 16A’ (patented). There have been no differences in plant performance and fruit quality of ‘AU Golden Sunshine’ plants grown in China and Alabama.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of the species Actinidia chinesis Planch is described. ‘AU Golden Dragon’ has a low chilling requirement, fruit is very early maturing, excellent flavor with a non acid sweet taste, and high soluble solids and dry matter content. ‘AU Golden Dragon’ matures about 50 days ahead of ‘Hort 16A’ (patented), the industry standard for golden flesh kiwi, therefore, the two cultivars will not compete in the market place. ‘AU Golden Dragon’ fruit quality indices are similar to fruit quality indices of ‘Hort 16A’ (patented). There have been no differences in plant performance and fruit quality of ‘AU Golden Dragon’ plants grown in China and Central Alabama.